Tag: kaiser-chiefs

listen up!, music musings, music suggestion

before the best… there’s the rest

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There were some massive albums this year. There were some massive singles as well. Unfortunately, not every album was as massive as a particular song might have been, and as such, it fell off of my list; but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t deserve recognition for being great. Also, there were some fantastic albums that were released this year that didn’t meet the criteria for my year end list (EP, re-release, live album, best of collection), so, instead of just ignoring them, I thought I would compile a little “best of the rest list” before getting into the meat of my favorite 31 records of 2008. How does that sound?

Alright, here we go:
The Cardigans – Best Of: As much as I love the Cardigans (they are definitely amongst my favorite groups of all time), putting a Best Of collection amongst the other contenders kind of isn’t fair for the rest of the studio albums on the top 31 list; even if the record (a double record in this case) is amazing. That being said, it’s a great collection with a ton of songs that I hadn’t heard before, mostly because they were B sides or on soundtracks. If you love the Cardigans, it is a MUST have. It is a solid five star album.

Sara Bareilles – Between the Lines: Live at the Fillmore: What should I say that hasn’t been said before? Sara Bareilles is one of the most talented musicians out there right now, and she kills it on this live album. If you have seen her live, you know what I am talking about, and should already own this… if you haven’t seen her, get this, because the audio is amazing.

Robyn – Robyn: If this album would have been released this year, for the first time, it would have probably been number one (if not amongst the top spots) on this list. However, this CD was originally released in 2005, and there isn’t enough new here to make it a contender. That being said, IF this album had of been released this year, it would have fit perfectly; which is a testament as to how forward and amazing this record is… it can stand the test of 3 years, and do so effortlessly. I can’t wait for the next record from Robyn.

Antony and the Johnsons – Another World EP: I love Antony and the Johnsons, and if this EP is any indication as to what we have in store from his next full length release in January, well, you will see this name again next year around this time. The first song on this EP is breathtakingly amazing.

Kaiser Chiefs – Off With Their Heads: Here’s a great record that didn’t connect with me as much as their previous release, but it’s definitely a good record, and I am glad that it’s in my collection.

She & Him – Volume One: It was Paste Magazine’s number one, and while I do really love this record, it didn’t resonate with me on that level. Zooey Deschanel’s voice is amazing; I can’t wait for volume two.

M83 – Saturdays=Youth: And here’s our first casualty ladies and gents… if there were 32 spots, it would be on the list. Fantastic record throughout, it just waivers at the end with the ultra long track, and that is really all that hurts it.

Dave Barnes – Me + You + The World: Here’s another album that should have made the list, but didn’t because there are only so many days in December. It’s a great record in the same vein as Jason Mraz with a little bit more Marc Broussard. There are some eloquent and beautiful songs on this album that captivate me every time I hear them.

Jesse McCartney – Departure: A solid pop album, with some definite movers and dance floor shakers on there. There are a ton of singles on this record, so I don’t know why he has only released two. Either way, he’s maturing nicely.

Ben Folds – Way to Normal: Another solid, and hilarious, album from the great Ben Folds. Just missed the cut, seriously.

Matt Alber – Hide Nothing:This one is kind of a conflict for me, because there are some AMAZING songs on it, but there are more than a couple filler tracks that really drug it down. I am definitely happy to have this in my music collection though, because when Matt’s good, he’s GREAT, seriously, seriously GREAT.

My Favorite Highway – How To Call A Bluff: There are some stunning songs on this album, and they remind me a lot of last year’s top ten group Melee, but they just missed the mark for this year’s list. Note that you cannot by the physical CD on amazon, so the link is for the MP3 CD. If you must only get one song, you have to get Bigger Than Love. That song is amazing.

Aqualung – Words & Music: Lastly, I HAVE to mention Aqualung, not only because he made my top ten last year, but because he released possibly one of the most amazingly beautiful songs on this record, called Arrivals. It is the last track of a record that feels sort of hurried, but there is nothing about this song that isn’t beautiful, sweet, and oh-so elegantly constructed. This is a MUST have just because of that one song, I tell you; I only wish the rest of the album would have been as amazing.

Alright, I PROMISE that the next blog post will be your number 31 CD… stay tuned… it’s coming soon!

music musings, music suggestion, shiny stuff

big music tuesday

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Today is a pretty decent day for music releases, as there are four CDs that hit shelves today that I had to pick up:
big music tuesday
I will confidently say that no less than one of these albums will make my year end list; you can count on it. I can’t remember a Tuesday where four CDs came out that I had to pick up, so it’s definitely a day of music worth blogging about.

I also wanted to get Guitar Hero World Tour (the drums and everything!), but I had to leave empty handed. The douche at Best Buy just disappeared when I asked for his help, and came back to tell me that Guitar Hero didn’t come with drums (which made me angry, because all he had to do was pay attention to his surroundings, especially since they have it out for everyone to play, and the drum kit is clearly sitting three feet from where we had the conversation… but I digress). So, I will have to wait until later for that one; I am going to try and get it after work, because it looks ever so fun, and we played Rock Band the other night and had a blast with the drums, and the Guitar Hero ones have cymbals (and no crappy pedal)! Looks like I found something to do for the rest of the week, eh!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, you tube

5SF: september 19

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Hello boys and girls… it’s the first post of the new year of five song Friday! I have been pondering the idea of doing a themed 5SF in the near future, so stay tuned for that… Today, I have the usual fare of new songs and stuff that I have been liking; I have to say, that I love autumn… not only does it get cooler, but new music seems to saturate the scene more so than any other time of year. The roster of upcoming releases shows a lot of promise for the rest of this year as well… color me excited.

Kaiser Chiefs – Never Miss a Beat
From the very first time I heard the opening note of Ruby, I was a fan of the Kaiser Chiefs. This British rock and roll set instantly reminded me of the earlier days of Blur and Oasis, and with their previous album Yours Truly, Angry Mob, they showed just how good they are at making quality rock and roll music. After falling in love with YTAM (which made my year end list last year), and when I heard that they would be releasing a new album this year, it goes without saying that I was extremely excited. After hearing Never Miss a Beat, the first single from the album, and after playing it on repeat (it’s catchy!!!), I will say that I definitely have very high hopes that this record will be amongst my favorites of 2008. I cannot wait for the release of the new Kaiser Chiefs… Here’s hoping that it delivers in the way that I know it can.

Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Dawn of the Dead
I have to say, that it is a sound that we have all heard before… but it is a catchy one, no? I really love the intro of the sirens… nice touch. These guys remind me a bit of the Killers mixed with the Cure on this track, but their record is a whole other animal entirely (it is really strange… but in a good way). That being said, this song is a sheer delight, and I have been playing it on repeat… it’s a well crafted rock track. It also has a weird video. Perhaps my favorite part of this song, which is a real surprise in traditional rock and roll, is the use of the steelpan, which, if you have heard it in context, it usually make things sound very Caribbean and “islandy”. However, in this case, it just adds an air of delight to an otherwise perfectly fine track; it’s a very nice surprise. I have to say it though… why isn’t this song called Say So? Regardless of the name, this is definitely a great song.

New Kids on The Block feat. Lady GaGa – Big Girl Now
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_919_nkotb-biggirlnow.mp3]
Hear me out. I will admit that I was never that big of a New Kids fan. I thought Hanging Tough was a bit silly, but I had the tape. Cut to earlier this summer when we heard the news that the New Kids were releasing a new CD. Okay… what can we expect? After hearing the first single Summertime, I was sure that we shouldn’t expect too much; it isn’t very good. Yet, being the lover of all things pop that I am, I couldn’t ignore the whole record because of one dud lead off single. So, I downloaded it, and I saw that Ms. Lady GaGa, diva of all things pop, was on the song Big Girl Now. Needless to say, I was happy to see her name, and I knew that she could bring the pop to the New Kids… and she DOES. This song is catchy and fun… and it has Lady GaGa, who you may or may not know that I have a slight infatuation with… I may have mentioned her once or twice on the blog here before (Jesus release her CD already!!!!). Regardless if the rest of the record is a dud or not (currently, I don’t know, I haven’t really given it a proper listen yet), this song is undeniably HOT.

Sugagbabes – Girls
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_919_sugababes-girls.mp3]
Another Sugababes record, in just a year?!?! YES PLEASE!!! Their previous record was one of their best to date, and after hearing this horny song (no not that kind of horny!), I am tapping my feet and bobbing my head; all the while, even more excited about a new Sugababes record!! This song didn’t initially hit me, however, so I suggest that you give it a few listens… it is a grower, and it really is a great single. I have to say, though, that I have one major issue with this song… are they saying “here comes the girls?”, because that is what it sounds like. I doubt that is the case, it is probably one of those things that you hear incorrectly in songs (like “when I grow up, I wanna have boobies”), so I will just let that one go with nothing more than a mention. Either way, the Sugababes are back with more fantastic pop… and I am even more excited about the record now!

Joshua Radin – Today
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_919_joshuaradin-today.mp3]
I read that this song was used on Scrubs, because Zach Braff is such a fan of Radin’s music, but I will admit that I only first heard this song last week. Remember the clip of Ellen and Portia’s wedding that I posted about? Well, this is the AMAZINGLY beautiful song that is playing in the background. How beautiful!!! I love that he performed it at their wedding as well… how perfect. Seriously, though, there is nothing bad that I can say about this song; other than it stays in my head, and begs to be played on repeat. It is an extremely beautiful track, and I love it so very, very much. What a wonderful, albeit unexpected discovery. I love finding amazing music like this!!! Thanks Ellen!

Well, that’s all for this week. I hope you found something in the above tracks that you enjoy. Also, let me know what you are listening to… do it!!! Have a great weekend, kids.

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 14: Kaiser Chiefs – Yours Truly, Angry Mob

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I am sure that more than a few of you are surprised by this next pick, the Kaiser Chief’s second album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob.I will admit that I didn’t expect their album to strike me in quite the way it did when I first heard the single Ruby, but after a few listens, I had to pick up the album. Upon my initial listen, I was not only impressed, but I was surprised at how much they reminded me of Blur, who happen to be one of my all time favorite groups. Admittedly, they aren’t always as quirky as Blur can be, but they definitely have similar rock sensibilities that made me fall so deeply in love with Blur.

The best thing about the Kaiser Chiefs album, is they really channel this indie-punk rock that gets you into the music, and has you bobbing your head from beginning to end. They give you fantastic performance after performance, and most of these songs are so catchy, that they will definitely get stuck in your head. On this record, the Kaiser Chiefs are doing something similar to what other indie-punk type bands like Bloc Party, the Killers, and Modest Mouse are also currently doing; but their sound has a more raw, street-ready quality to it. It also definitely borrows a pinch or two from the sound of older punk rockers like the Ramones, but takes that sound, and makes it a little more punk-glam.

Overall, this record was a huge, and well received, surprise for me. I am definitely a fan of rock and roll, and I am even more of a sucker for a killer guitar riff. As I said before, it was the single Ruby that brought me to the table, but the upbeat rhythms, and passionate performance from the charismatic front man (who is definitely the hotness) really got me hooked. This record more than satisfies my appetite for something rock, and as I mentioned before, gives me a little bit of a Blur fix as well (seriously, Try Your Best sounds like it should have been on Leisure, my favorite Blur album – except KC sink the riff from Ruby in there, and bring the record full circle… brilliant.). Some of the songs, like My Kind of Guy, have a quality that would put them solidly in the quirky column with Blur, but they take it back to the rock with that killer riff (seriously, that riff is amazing; I can’t listen to that song and not get all “air guitar” while I am listening).

After falling in love with this CD, I went out and got their debut as well, which I will say that I don’t like as much, but I think that it is because I like Yours Truly, Angry Mob so freaking much. As a fan of British bands, and rock and roll, I can definitely say that the Kaiser Chiefs are one of the bands that are doing it right; as I am not really a fan of those other three that I mentioned earlier (British or not). There is something that they have got that is different, and whatever it is, I love it. This is a really, really great CD; there is absolutely nothing bad I can say about it.

Also, make sure you get the extra tracks, specifically From The Neck Down; which really shows that these guys have a sense of humor.

Favorite tracks from Yours Truly, Angry Mob:
My Kind Of Guy
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/kc-mykindofguy.mp3]
The Angry Mob
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/kc-theangrymob.mp3]
Everything Is Average Nowadays
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/kc-everythingisaverage.mp3]
Ruby, Learnt My Lesson Well, and Loves Not A Competition (But I’m Winning). (links on songs are youtube videos)

Rating:

listen up!, mixed media, movie musings, music musings, near and dear, show the love

get these now!

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Seriously, you must do yourself a favor and go get Mika and the new Kaiser Chiefs‘, CD, Your’s Truly, Angry Mob!!! Both of these new CDs are only $8 at Best Buy!! Go pick them up!! You will not be sorry, both are fantastic. I love this continued British invasion! Let’s keep it up, by showing our support!!

Also, I just listened to the new Joss Stone, and it is HOT. More great Brit music. YES! Also, it comes out next week, so you will have to wait until then to get it; but it must be said that the new Hilary Duff is off the hook. There is a clear influence from Kylie on this one, and Hilary has really taken the “bubble gum” sap out of her music. It is a very good listen, and what I am always looking for… great pop!!

There are a few other things I am checking out right now (most of them came from seeing them at my visit to the Times Square Virgin Megastore *drool*):
New LCD Soundsystem
Muse
The first Kaiser Chiefs album, Employment (“I predict a riot!”)
The Bird and the Bee (from an initial listen, I believe I may be in love –> A little bit Imogen Heap, a little bit Jem)
Elliot Yamin (he covered my favorite Carpenter’s song… I had to at least check it out) side note: I can’t believe I just linked myspace. Barf.
Young Love (haven’t heard much yet… vote’s still out)
and the new Tracey Thorn (from EBTG) record, which is slowly growing on me (I was hoping for love at first listen). I think that she put too many sound effects in there, but I am slowly warming up to them.
I also snagged the live Portishead album, and eh. I don’t really like live stuff, but I have been in a Portishead mood lately, so I will give it a shot.

What’s everyone else spinning right now? I love finding new good music!! Also, I will gush even more about the albums that I am still completely and utterly in love with: the new CDs by Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs, Kellie Pickler, and Dashboard Confessional. They are all FANTASTIC, and have been getting HEAVY rotation. Good music is like gold, but for my ears!

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday, and I am working on getting my NYC photos on flickr (the uploader is being douche), and so I will post about my trip later. Just know, I had a great time!!! And I am jazzed about my new music choices! YAY! Now, share the love, alright!?

Also, be sure to get Children of Men… it’s on DVD, and it is great. Love that movie!